Alternative depression treatment with tDCS: Flow Neuroscience

Using Flow can be experienced differently by different people. A number of factors will affect how you experience Flow, for example, sleep quality and skin sensitivity and therefore sensations may vary between sessions. It usually feels a little more intense during the first 3 minutes of a stimulation session.   

Some people have reported not feeling anything underneath the electrodes while others have reported feeling an itchy, slightly tingling sensation; like a stinging or a mild burning sensation on the forehead.

Hear directly from our users on how they experience Flow.

For CHF 98.– (incl. VAT and shipping), you can test Flow for 30 days. This test fee is due at the time of ordering.

After the 30-day trial period, you have the following options:

• Keep Flow: At the end of the trial period, you will receive a payment link or an invoice for the remaining amount of CHF 452.–.

• Return Flow: Return Flow within 5 working days after the end of the trial period, at your own expense. No further costs will apply.

83% of Flow users experience a significant improvement in their depression within 3 weeks of using the Flow headset. The time it takes to notice a change differs from person to person and ranges from 1-2 days to 4-6+ weeks.

It is important to note that the best results have been seen by following the recommended treatment protocol. Sporadic use of the headset has not been tested or proven effective.

If this is your first time using the headset, it's recommended to complete at least 15 sessions according to the treatment protocol (5 times per week for 3 weeks) before deciding if this treatment is right for you.

Usually at around 15 tDCS sessions, users begin to notice significant positive changes in their depressive symptoms. However, please note everyone is different and some may begin to feel changes earlier and the majority of users continue to feel larger reductions post-15 sessions. These changes have been observed in various tDCS studies (studies can be found here for your convenience).

The best results have been seen by following the recommended treatment protocol which is divided into two phases; Activation and Strengthening. The goal of the full treatment is to stimulate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to both activate and strengthen the known neural networks involved in regulating depression.

To see expected and similar results as other users it is important to follow the protocol assigned to you. Adjusting the treatment protocol for individual needs is possible by working with your doctor.

Flow is a certified medical device and does not require a prescription.

The CSS supplementary insurance is the first in Switzerland to allow partial reimbursement for the purchase of the Flow headset. To qualify for a contribution towards the purchase of the Flow headset for CSS-insured individuals with supplementary insurance, the following conditions apply: a medical certificate is required, confirming that the Flow headset from Flow Neuroscience is used for the treatment of depression. The amount of reimbursement varies depending on the insurance model. We recommend contacting your CSS insurance partner directly to find out which services are covered in your insurance.

However, the treatment is only approved and should only be used by people over 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with depression (Major Depressive Disorder). It’s important to contact a healthcare professional and receive a diagnosis before using Flow. We recommend always consulting with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment.